Wigan this week signed Fulham midfielder Michael Brown for a fee thought to be in the region of 3m. The 30-year-old completed his medical on Tuesday before signing a three-year deal at the JJB Stadium. After spells with Spurs and Fulham the midfielder moves back to the north west where he started his career with Manchester City. Brown is the Latics' seventh new face, following Titus Bramble, Antoine Sibierski, Mario Melchiot, Andreas Granqvist, Carlo Nash and Jason Koumas into the club. After completing his medical Brown then came on as sub against Barnsley and givemefootball's Lawrie Madden caught up with him afterwards.
Q:A HECTIC FEW DAYS, MICHAEL?
A:Well, it's certainly been a hectic few hours. I signed at two o'clock in the afternoon and then jumped on the coach and headed for Barnsley and then came on with 20 minutes to go without knowing the lads or having played in a training session, so it has been a rollercoaster few hours.
Q:HOW DID THE GAME GO?
A:I thought it went well. The lads played very well, especially in the second half, and that made it easier for me to play when I came on and it was good to get some football under my belt and start to get to know the lads. There are a few more games left before the start of the season so that will help.
Q:WAS YOUR DECISION TO MOVE TO WIGAN A DIFFICULT ONE?
A:Yes it was. I enjoyed my time with Fulham and was made club captain and there was a new manager in place. But when I got here and heard what the manager had to say and the rest of the people at Wigan I decided that the club would be going in the right direction. They made me feel very welcome and it's obvious the club has ambition.
Q:WHAT DO YOU THINK THE TARGET WILL BE FOR WIGAN THIS TIME?
A:The manager has made it clear to me that last season a repeat of last season has to be avoided and that he is looking for a top ten finish. I think being in the top half of the table is a realistic aim especially with all the new players that have arrived.
Q:WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE WIGAN SIDE?
A:I am a competitive and experienced midfielder and hopefully will fit into the way the manager wants to play. He has said that he wants us to pass the ball a bit more this season and to try and keep the ball more so hopefully I can contribute to that.
Q:GOOD TO BE BACK IN THE NORTH WEST?
A:Yes it's great to be back. I had ten years at Manchester City before moving to Sheffield United and then moving down to London so it's moving back home in some ways as I know this part of the world. It's a new challenge and I'm looking forward to it.
